Cellobiose is a
disaccharide with the formula [HOCH
2CHO(CHOH)
3]
2O. Cellobiose, a reducing sugar, consists of two
β-glucose molecules linked by a β(1→4) bond. It can be hydrolyzed to glucose enzymatically or with acid. Cellobiose has eight free
alcohol (OH) groups, one
acetal linkage and one
hemiacetal linkage, which give rise to strong inter- and intra-molecular
hydrogen bonds. It can be obtained by enzymatic or acidic hydrolysis of
cellulose and cellulose rich materials such as
cotton,
jute, or
paper.
